Cover L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele opens first Southeast Asian outpost in Singapore
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele opens first Southeast Asian outpost in Singapore
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We speak to the founders to find out why they brought L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele to Singapore, and what pizza lovers can expect from the 154-year-old pizzeria
When Julia Roberts sank her teeth into a slice at L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele in the wildly popular film Eat, Pray, Love, suddenly everyone from all over the globe wanted a piece of the pie. Founded by Michele Condurro, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele is now over 150 years old and it still only sells two types of Neapolitan-style pizzas today: the classic Marinara which was made from the humble trio of tomato, oregano, and garlic; and the Margherita which spotlights tomato and mozzarella. Now, the humble pizzeria is a famed global powerhouse, boasting outposts in over 19 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
Above Marcello Mazzotta, co-owner and director of L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore
Marcello Mazzotta, co-owner and director of L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore
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Before the launch in Singapore, Tatler Dining spoke with Marcello Mazzotta, co-owner and director of L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore, on why he decided to bring the legendary pizzeria to Singapore and what can pizza lovers expect from the first Southeast Asian outpost along Club Street. “As an Italian, I have a deep love for pizza and when I decided to bring an authentic Neapolitan pizza experience to Singapore, there was only one choice: L’antica Pizzeria da Michele, founded in 1870,” shares the Italian restaurateur. While Singapore boasts some of the biggest international pizza restaurant names, none comes close when it comes to preserving a heritage like L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele.
Above Domenico Mosca at the Singaporean outpost making a pizza
Domenico Mosca at the Singaporean outpost making a pizza
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The secret to its success? Adhering to a meticulously guarded traditional recipe passed down for generations. Thanks to the insistence on using Caputo flour and a customised Stefano Ferrara Napoli—an Italian-made domed brick oven exclusively for all of da Michele outlets worldwide—to cook their pies, the crust promises light and airy textures with an evenly distributed char. “Before we opened, we had Domenico Mosca (executive chef and pizzaiolo) fly in from Naples to train our local and Italian pizzaiolo for over two weeks,” reveals Mazzotta, insisting that the Singaporean outpost continues to work closely with the original L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Naples to ensure that the same standards are being met.
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Fans can look forward to trying the legendary “pizza a ruota di carro”, which translates to wagon wheel pizza, without having to fly to Naples. It is most famously distinguished by its large 15-inch thin base, with edges overflowing the plate beneath it. And while there are no Singapore exclusives on the menu, there will be more than just two flavours to choose from—unlike the original location in Naples. “We’re bringing over renditions that are served at different outlets all over the world,” quips Mazzotta.
On the pizzas, one can savour ingredients sourced from select producers and farmers in Southern Italy. Think highly coveted Agerola Fior di Latte, a delicate and creamy cheese from the Agerola region; Armatore Cetara anchovies, prized for its intense yet refined savouriness, from the Amalfi coast; Spianata Calabra, a 45-day aged salami made from a blend of pork, red pepper and Calabrian red chillies; and the fragrant capocollo di Martina Franca, a delicately smoked, cured ham produced in Puglia. The pizzeria will also put out handmade pasta and desserts alongside a curated wine list made up of mostly Italian labels.
Above The customised Stefano Ferrara Napoli—an Italian-made domed brick oven exclusively for all of da Michele outlets worldwide—to cook their pies
The customised Stefano Ferrara Napoli—an Italian-made domed brick oven exclusively for all of da Michele outlets worldwide—to cook their pies
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“With Singaporeans’ penchant for embracing international brands, we believe this traditional pizza, in my opinion, might be one of the most authentic Neapolitan pizzas in the world, will captivate palates and offer a delightful addition to the diverse culinary landscape,” expounds Mazzotta, who will be in charge of the day-to-day operations. With the support of co-owner Christian Tan, co-founder of Tanjong Beach Club and Super Loco Mexican restaurants—whose experience in running high-volume venues will come in handy, Mazzotta remains confident that “L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore will be extremely busy from day one”. Reservations for the 70-seater restaurant are now open with the official opening taking place on April 15.
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore
Address: 8 Club Street, Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre, #01-08, S(069472)
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Images: L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele Singapore
